Meet Lea Alvarado | Spiritual Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lea Alvarado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lea, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks means stepping forward even when there’s a chance things might not go as planned. Taking risks has always been important to me in my life, both personally and professionally. I believe it’s essential because it’s where growth and opportunity begin. I don’t believe in failure because every decision leads to more learning. When something doesn’t work, it just means I have to regroup and try another direction.

Without risk-taking, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Some of my greatest successes and most joyful experiences have come because I was willing to take a risk. While taking risks can sometimes bring a sense of nervousness, the outcomes have almost always been worth it, because in the end, pushing myself beyond what’s comfortable has helped me to grow and has opened doors to possibilities I never could have imagined.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my professional journey as a career counselor, dedicating nearly 20 years to helping adults in career transition, primarily in higher education. While I deeply enjoyed guiding people in discovering and pursuing their passions, I always sensed something was missing. My spiritual path had been a cornerstone of my life, but I had kept it separate from my professional work. Over time, I felt a growing urge to integrate the two.

I started introducing meditation and heart-centered practices to a few career counseling clients, subtly weaving spiritual principles into my sessions with those I sensed would be open to it. The positive responses from my clients and the experience was deeply meaningful to me, yet, because it was sporadic, it lacked the fulfillment I yearned for.

Then one day, while driving home, I experienced a profound calling—not a voice but an undeniable inner knowing that I was meant to pursue ministry within the Science of Mind philosophy, which was already a significant part of my life. The feeling was so clear and powerful that I couldn’t ignore it. Saying “yes” to this calling brought a sense of completeness that wasn’t there before.

From there, I committed the next eight years to intensive training: four years to become a licensed Science of Mind Practitioner, followed by four years of ministerial studies. Now, six years into my ministry, I am honored to serve as the Senior Minister of the Center for Spiritual Living Northern Colorado, a role I have been in for the past two years. This path has allowed me to integrate my passion for supporting others with my spiritual calling, making it one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life.

However, the journey to this point was far from easy. At the start of my ministerial studies, I went through a deeply painful divorce that left me heartbroken and struggling to maintain focus on my studies. I also encountered some very difficult personal relationships and challenging work dynamics that tested my resolve. These experiences often made me question whether I had the strength and resilience to walk this path and serve others in the way they deserved.

Despite these obstacles, these trials became profound teachers. They challenged me to confront my own expectations and release the need to approach ministry perfectly. Instead, I learned to trust that I was guided to this path at the perfect time and in the perfect way. Through this journey, I discovered what it truly means to be a leader—not through perfection, but by embodying authenticity, humility, and grace. I learned to love myself more, even in moments of doubt and imperfection, and to rely on the inner guidance that called me to this work. These experiences not only strengthened my commitment to this sacred calling but also shaped me into the minister I am today.

I am deeply committed to serving humanity by walking alongside individuals through the ups, downs, and messiness of life. I believe my role is to remind them of the profound truth of who they are: divine beings on a journey of growth and evolution. My job isn’t to dictate what people should do but to inspire and support them in making choices that lead to greater peace, freedom, and joy. My role is to empower people to recognize their own agency in creating a fulfilling life.

Through our thoughts and beliefs, we hold the power to shape our experience and even create ‘heaven on earth.’ While life can present challenges, we always have the choice to see circumstances through the lens of: life is happening TO me or life is happening FOR me. I believe that everything in life, no matter how difficult, serves our highest good, supporting our soul’s growth and evolution. And at the heart of my work is the understanding that love is the most important thing, the essence of our being, which we affirm every Sunday, “Love is who I am, Love is who we are, Love is all there is.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the day with a relaxing visit to The Little Bird, a charming café where we could enjoy a cup of tea or coffee paired with delicious pastries and a sweet atmosphere. Afterward, we could stroll through Old Town Fort Collins for some shopping in many of their unique boutiques.

In the afternoon, we could have lunch at Vatos Tacos, a popular spot known for its mouthwatering street tacos. Afterward, we could walk to Nuance Chocolate to treat ourselves to a cup of rich sipping chocolate that is unbelievably amazing. We then could head over to the Gardens on Spring Creek, a beautiful botanical garden near Old Town (during spring, summer, or fall only).

For dinner, we could head to Cafe Vino, one of my favorite restaurants. A perfect way to cap the day, enjoying fine food and ambiance in the heart of Fort Collins.

Other places to visit while in town is definitely Estes Park about an hour away locted in Rocky Mountain National Park. We could enjoy a leisurely walk around Bear Lake, or hike one of the shorter trails like Emerald Lake Trail, followed by some shopping in downtown Estes and find a place to eat for lunch or dinner.

Loveland, which is about 20 minute drive from Fort Collins is another great place to explore. They have a nice downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants and the Loveland Sculpture Park with its amazing collection of sculptures is a must see while in town. Chapungu Sculpture Park is another outdoor gallery with over 80 sculptures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am deeply grateful for the transformative teachings of Science of Mind, which serve as the foundation of my ministry. Along this journey, I have been blessed to engage with a rich diversity of spiritual teachers, philosophies, and practices that have profoundly inspired and shaped my path. From the wisdom of Ernest Holmes, Ram Dass, Mark Nepo, Pema Chödrön, Michael Beckwith, Paul Selig and his channeled guides, and the Way of Mastery (Jeshua’s channeled teachings), to the sacred traditions of Native American spirituality, Celtic shamanism, and other Indigenous practices, each has expanded my understanding of spiritual growth and the interconnectedness of all life and for that, I am forever grateful.

I want to share my heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, teachers, and individuals who have inspired and guided me along my journey. Each person has shown me what it means to serve humanity with compassion and authenticity, both as a spiritual leader and as a fellow human being.

Thank you to those who believed in me, saw my potential, and cheered me on. Thank you for your unwavering encouragement and for lighting the path ahead. A special thanks to those who challenged me—those who triggered my insecurities and stirred up my emotions. You were among my greatest teachers, pushing me to confront and transcend my limitations. Your presence helped me grow, evolve, and ultimately become a better version of myself.

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